“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
I remember going on treasure hunts when I was a kid. It was exciting not knowing exactly what we’d find, but the thrill was really in the hunt. Once we found the treasure it was usually a letdown, but at least we felt good about it because we were the ones who found it! But, unlike the treasure hunts of the past, finding the treasure mentioned in the above scripture is way beyond just the excitement of the hunt. The real excitement begins when we discover the treasure that is more than we could have imagined!
“…For we have THIS treasure…” What treasure? It says we have it, but WHAT IS IT? Let’s look at the previous verse, which says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
The word ‘shined’ means to beam radiant brilliancy. It’s the same word Jesus used when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Now, we know that in, and of ourselves, we have nothing to offer in the way of works that reveal the glory of God. If that were so, then we would get the glory! But it doesn’t say that we will get the glory. It says that when they see our good works they will glorify our Father which is in heaven! Obviously, the scriptures are telling us more than we have previously understood!
What they will see in us is the glory of God “…in the face of Jesus Christ.” The word. “face” carries the implication of the presence of the Person of Jesus!’ This is what Colossians 1:27 calls the “…Christ in us, the Hope of Glory!” This is the presence of Christ in us! So, let’s put this all together now:
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
A good paraphrase for this discussion would be, “For God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness has beamed radiant brilliancy into our hearts and make us see and know the glory of God! The glory of the continual presence and power of Jesus Christ empowering us to mimic and walk like God, Himself; not shrinking back in tribulation, but commanding the light of the knowledge of God to shine into every situation we face, knowing that His light will always overcome darkness and those who see will glorify our Father which is in heaven!
With Love,
Pastor Tom
Kingdom Business is Eternal, as are the rewards that come from God. If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please consider partnering with us in prayer, as the Lord leads you, or in financial support. Please visit our website at www.testamentoflove.org to learn more about this ministry! Luke 6:38